"Spread Love, That's the Chante way".
This 6 word sentence that sits at the top of chylissachante.com exemplifies the message that its founder is focused on putting forth. It is also a message that promotes positivity, unity, and creativity to say the least. Fresh off of graduation from the Fashion Institute of Technology, Long Island Native Chylissa Brooks is in the midst of expanding upon her brand, while simultaneously making her mark within the culture of fashion.
That said, we feature the young business owner and future mogul in our 3rd installment of "1 on 1", where she gives details on her journey to where she currently is at in life, and shares what's in store for the company she's looking to expand upon.
This 6 word sentence that sits at the top of chylissachante.com exemplifies the message that its founder is focused on putting forth. It is also a message that promotes positivity, unity, and creativity to say the least. Fresh off of graduation from the Fashion Institute of Technology, Long Island Native Chylissa Brooks is in the midst of expanding upon her brand, while simultaneously making her mark within the culture of fashion.
That said, we feature the young business owner and future mogul in our 3rd installment of "1 on 1", where she gives details on her journey to where she currently is at in life, and shares what's in store for the company she's looking to expand upon.
Mike: Let’s kick things off with your upbringing. How did fashion impact you growing up and what made you want to pursue a career within such a diverse industry?
Chylissa: Growing up I really could care less about fashion. I played basketball and soccer and that's all that mattered until about Junior High. At the time I wanted to go to law school and had no idea that fashion would be the end result. I started to use clothes and fashion to change the way I viewed myself. Before I knew it, it became something I really loved.
Mike: Whom would you say has influenced you the most within the field? Give me one celebrity and one non-celebrity.
Chylissa: I get influenced by the culture we live in today. I want to see better experiences and opportunities for my people. I can’t credit that to just one person and most I don’t even know their names. History and art are a huge influence in what i hope to be and create.
Mike: Thats a good answer. Sometimes there's not necessarily that ONE person you can pinpoint that you aspire to be so I hear you. But you recently completed a 4-year degree at FIT, which is one of the most respected schools for fashion and design within the country. Describe that experience and how it prepared you for the real world.
Chylissa: FIT was an experience to say the least but I must say their production management department by far is the best and most important department in the entire institution. There you will find a team of dedicated industry professionals lead by the most amazing chairman. That department alone has prepared me for what it will be like to manage my own company.
Mike: Great insight! I feel like it really pays to have leaders and teachers who care about what they do. I want to talk about your website, ChylissaChante.com, which has been all over prominent social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram. This looks to be one of the promising startup brands on Long Island. Describe the feeling of essentially starting your own business from scratch.
Chylissa: Being a small black owned start up brand is not easy. I have to do everything on my own and work extra hard to gain awareness and respect. I am happy i have started and i am working at something i really love. You learn a lot about yourself and dreams when you go after what you love. I think it can be hard and there are days when i think what i am doing will never matter but you have to trust God and know it will all be worth it.
Mike: What products are you currently making and do you have plans to expand your store by creating other items?
Chylissa: I have created a collection of 10 looks that i hope to feature soon for Spring/Summer 2017. I also make chokers on the side to expand my brand awareness and business. I plan to continue to create and expand my business with feature collections and accessories.
Mike: Give me your 3 biggest pros/cons of the fashion industry today.
Chylissa:
Mike: Overall, where do you see yourself, as well as your business, within the next 5 years?
Chylissa: I see myself as a well known million dollar company in the next 5 years. Making innovative impacts on the industry and affording jobs to thousands in Africa. I see us starting a movement that changes the culture and but Africa as the forefront to be the industries leading manufactures.
Mike: Clearly, you’ve got expectations for yourself. For all our viewers as well as your growing consumer base, can you share what’s up next for you?
Chylissa: More creating and developing. Trying to introduce more sustainable and organic fibers to my work. Being about to be innovative and environmentally conscious is a major goal for Chylissa Chante´.
Mike: Rapid Fire: Give me your top 3 designers within fashion. GO.
Chylissa: Stella Jean, Dion Lee, Cushnie et Ocho
To see more about what Chylissa and her business have to offer, visit http://www.chylissachante.com.
Chylissa: Growing up I really could care less about fashion. I played basketball and soccer and that's all that mattered until about Junior High. At the time I wanted to go to law school and had no idea that fashion would be the end result. I started to use clothes and fashion to change the way I viewed myself. Before I knew it, it became something I really loved.
Mike: Whom would you say has influenced you the most within the field? Give me one celebrity and one non-celebrity.
Chylissa: I get influenced by the culture we live in today. I want to see better experiences and opportunities for my people. I can’t credit that to just one person and most I don’t even know their names. History and art are a huge influence in what i hope to be and create.
Mike: Thats a good answer. Sometimes there's not necessarily that ONE person you can pinpoint that you aspire to be so I hear you. But you recently completed a 4-year degree at FIT, which is one of the most respected schools for fashion and design within the country. Describe that experience and how it prepared you for the real world.
Chylissa: FIT was an experience to say the least but I must say their production management department by far is the best and most important department in the entire institution. There you will find a team of dedicated industry professionals lead by the most amazing chairman. That department alone has prepared me for what it will be like to manage my own company.
Mike: Great insight! I feel like it really pays to have leaders and teachers who care about what they do. I want to talk about your website, ChylissaChante.com, which has been all over prominent social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram. This looks to be one of the promising startup brands on Long Island. Describe the feeling of essentially starting your own business from scratch.
Chylissa: Being a small black owned start up brand is not easy. I have to do everything on my own and work extra hard to gain awareness and respect. I am happy i have started and i am working at something i really love. You learn a lot about yourself and dreams when you go after what you love. I think it can be hard and there are days when i think what i am doing will never matter but you have to trust God and know it will all be worth it.
Mike: What products are you currently making and do you have plans to expand your store by creating other items?
Chylissa: I have created a collection of 10 looks that i hope to feature soon for Spring/Summer 2017. I also make chokers on the side to expand my brand awareness and business. I plan to continue to create and expand my business with feature collections and accessories.
Mike: Give me your 3 biggest pros/cons of the fashion industry today.
Chylissa:
- The Pros - It's very creative, energetic, and always changing.
- The Cons- It often requires a Slow start, mixed with little to no connections, and limited budget.
Mike: Overall, where do you see yourself, as well as your business, within the next 5 years?
Chylissa: I see myself as a well known million dollar company in the next 5 years. Making innovative impacts on the industry and affording jobs to thousands in Africa. I see us starting a movement that changes the culture and but Africa as the forefront to be the industries leading manufactures.
Mike: Clearly, you’ve got expectations for yourself. For all our viewers as well as your growing consumer base, can you share what’s up next for you?
Chylissa: More creating and developing. Trying to introduce more sustainable and organic fibers to my work. Being about to be innovative and environmentally conscious is a major goal for Chylissa Chante´.
Mike: Rapid Fire: Give me your top 3 designers within fashion. GO.
Chylissa: Stella Jean, Dion Lee, Cushnie et Ocho
To see more about what Chylissa and her business have to offer, visit http://www.chylissachante.com.